September, 1821. When her father announces that she must marry the ancient, grim-faced vicar, Lucy decides upon a desperate plan. Stealing his prized stallion, she escapes across the moors, only to fall into the hands of notorious horse thieves and the cheating arms of their rough but charming leader.She is forced to take part in their crimes, but when she tries to deceive Philip, son of the Earl of Darwell, Lucy meets her match. Philip gives her an ultimatum: go to the gallows, or help him recover the deeds of Darwell Manor and his mother's lost jewels.Now, Lucy has to win back her freedom while losing her heart to handsome, aloof Philip... who doesn't trust her an inch.This book contains adult content and is not recommended for readers under the age of 18. Lorna Read was born in Liverpool and started writing at the age of six, when she wrote her first song (words and music) and first poem (about her cat!). When she was eleven, she wrote the first few chapters of a book featuring a Canadian lumberjack, which is still lurking in a battered old notebook. At school, she won several essay prizes and came second in an RSPCA essay competition.After gaining an Honours degree in English from Bangor University in North Wales, she moved to London and started work as an advertising copywriter, then spent several years as a rock music journalist whilst singing with her own band. Next came a stint with IPC Magazines as editor of romantic story magazine, Loving. During her decade on the title, she regularly appeared on radio and TV as an agony aunt.Lorna now lives in West London. The Earl's Captive is her first title for Next Chapter and she is currently working on the follow-up, The Earl's Concubine.
